Base for electrical outlet and related method

ABSTRACT

A base for an electrical outlet. The electrical outlet includes a mounting screw aperture disposed along a longitudinal axis for receiving a mounting screw having a mounting screw head to mount the electrical outlet to a box. The mounting screw head has a mounting screw head diameter. The electrical outlet also has at least one socket face for receiving an electrical plug. The base includes a substantially planar backing member, the backing member including at least one aperture for receiving the at least one socket face. The base also includes a keyhole slot disposed in the backing member and having first and second keyhole slot apertures. The first keyhole slot aperture is larger than the mounting screw head diameter. The second keyhole slot aperture is smaller than the mounting screw head diameter and is disposed in the backing member at a location on the longitudinal axis and aligned with the mounting screw aperture when the base is mounted to the electrical outlet using the mounting screw. Related methods also are disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to electrical outlets andreceptacles, and more specifically, to covers for such outlets andreceptacles, and related components and methods.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Electrical outlets traditionally have included an assembly ofcomponents that include the electrical receptacle, a box into which thereceptacle is mounted, and a cover plate. The receptacle typicallyincludes one or more sockets into which the blades of a plug, such asthe plug from an electrical appliance, would be inserted. The receptacletypically is mounted to the box by a pair of box mounting screws, withone located at the top of the box and one located at the bottom.Traditional cover plates typically cover the outlet, except for thesocket face or faces, at which the socket faces of the receptaclecontact the plug. Such traditional cover plates commonly are mounted tothe receptacle using a cover plate mounting screw located substantiallyin the center of the receptacle and cover plate.

[0005] In some instances, it is desirable to have a base positionedaround the receptacle, or specifically around the socket face or faces,for example, to which a cover or cover plate may be attached. In recentyears, for example, it has become desirable, particularly for exterioror outdoor applications, to have a receptacle cover that covers theentire receptacle, including the socket faces, so that water and otherliquids cannot contact the interface at which the plug contacts thesocket face or faces when the outlet is not in use. Some such covershave cord conduits through the cover so they provide weatherproofingeven when the outlet is in use. An example is provided in U.S. Pat. No.5,763,831, assigned to TayMac Corporation, of Phoenix, Ariz. Such covershave come to be known generally as “weatherproof” covers, notnecessarily in that they entirely prevent weather or moisture fromreaching the outlet, but in that they provide some level of protectionfrom weather, liquids and/or moisture. Examples of such cover designsare provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,831. Such weatherproof coverstypically include a base, usually attached to the box, to which thecover component is attached.

[0006] When installing or replacing such covers, and more particularlywhen installing or replacing the base component, a significant amount oftime can be required. The base typically is attached to the box with apair of box mounting screws, as described above for traditional outlets.These box mounting screws must be unscrewed and completely removed if anexisting base is to be removed. The new base then is positioned, and boxmounting screws are screwed in to secure the base to the box. It is alsousually necessary during this process to pause at the appropriate timewhile installing the box screws to properly align the base. In a typicalcircumstance, one often replaces a number of such bases and outletcovers, rather than only a single base and cover. When erecting newbuildings, for example, it often is necessary to install large numbersof such bases and cover plates. The amount of time involved ininstalling, or replacing, such bases and covers therefore can add uprather quickly.

[0007] Objects of the Invention

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide abase for an electrical outlet, and related method, wherein the base canbe installed or replaced relatively quickly and/or inexpensively.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a base foran electrical outlet, and related method, wherein the base can bealigned relatively quickly and/or inexpensively.

[0010] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description, which follows, and in part will be apparentfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtainedby means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in theappended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with thepurposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described in thisdocument, a base is provided for an electrical outlet. The electricaloutlet includes a mounting screw aperture disposed along a longitudinalaxis for receiving a mounting screw having a mounting screw head tomount the electrical outlet to a box. The mounting screw head has amounting screw head diameter. The electrical outlet also has at leastone socket face for receiving an electrical plug.

[0012] The base according to one aspect of the invention comprises asubstantially planar backing member. The backing member includes atleast one aperture for receiving the at least one socket face, and akeyhole slot disposed in the backing member. The keyhole slot has firstand second keyhole slot apertures. The first keyhole slot aperture islarger than the mounting screw head diameter. The second keyhole slotaperture is smaller than the mounting screw head diameter and isdisposed in the backing member at a location on the longitudinal axisand aligned with the mounting screw aperture when the base is mounted tothe electrical outlet using the mounting screw.

[0013] Optionally, the second keyhole slot aperture may include a bevel.In a presently preferred embodiment, the first and second keyhole slotapertures are disposed along a keyhole line substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal axis. In another presently preferred embodiment, thefirst and second keyhole slot apertures are disposed along a keyholeline substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis.

[0014] In another presently preferred embodiment according to thisaspect of the invention, the base further includes a base mountingaperture disposed in the backing member and having a diameter largerthan the mounting screw head diameter. The base mounting aperture isdisposed in the backing member at a location on the longitudinal axis.The base according to this aspect of the invention further includes aretaining device removably disposed on the base mounting aperture. Theretaining device has an inside diameter smaller than the mounting screwhead diameter.

[0015] In accordance with another embodiment, the base further includesa channel extending from the at least one socket face receivingaperture. The channel is narrower than the mounting screw head diameter.Preferably but optionally, the first and second keyhole apertures andthe channel lie along a keyhole line.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a base isprovided for an electrical outlet. The electrical outlet includes firstand second mounting screw apertures disposed along a longitudinal axisfor receiving respective first and second mounting screws each having amounting screw head to mount the electrical outlet to a box. Themounting screw heads have a mounting screw head diameter. The electricaloutlet also has at least one socket face for receiving an electricalplug.

[0017] The base according to this aspect of the invention comprises asubstantially planar backing member. The backing member includes atleast one aperture for receiving the at least one socket face. The basefurther includes first and second keyhole slots disposed in the backingmember. Each of the first and second keyhole slots has first and secondkeyhole slot apertures. The first keyhole slot aperture is larger thanthe mounting screw head diameter. The second keyhole slot aperture issmaller than the mounting screw head diameter and is disposed in thebacking member at a location on the longitudinal axis. The secondkeyhole slot aperture of the first keyhole slot is aligned with thefirst mounting screw aperture and the second keyhole slot aperture ofthe second keyhole slot is aligned with the second mounting screwaperture when the base is mounted to the electrical outlet using thefirst and second mounting screws.

[0018] Preferably but optionally, at least one of the second keyholeslot aperture of the first keyhole slot and the second keyhole slotaperture of the second keyhole slot includes a bevel. In a preferredembodiment, the first and second keyhole slot apertures of the first andsecond keyhole slots are disposed along respective first and secondkeyhole lines substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Inanother embodiment, the first and second keyhole slot apertures of thefirst and second keyhole slots are disposed along a keyhole linesubstantially collinear with the longitudinal axis.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a base isprovided for an electrical outlet. The electrical outlet includes amounting screw aperture disposed along a longitudinal axis for receivinga mounting screw having a mounting screw head to mount the electricaloutlet to a box. The mounting screw head has a mounting screw headdiameter. The electrical outlet also has at least one socket face forreceiving an electrical plug.

[0020] The base according to this aspect of the invention comprises asubstantially planar backing member. The backing member includes atleast one aperture for receiving the at least one socket face. The basealso includes a base mounting aperture disposed in the backing member ata location aligned with the mounting screw aperture when the base ismounted to the electrical outlet using the mounting screw. The basemounting aperture is larger than the mounting screw head diameter. Thebase also includes a retaining device removably disposed on the basemounting aperture. The retaining device has a diameter smaller than themounting screw head diameter. Preferably but optionally, the retainingdevice includes a beveled surface. The base mounting aperture mayinclude a beveled surface and the retaining device may include a beveledsurface for mating with the base mounting aperture beveled surface.

[0021] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, amethod is provided for mounting a base to an electrical outlet. Theelectrical outlet includes a mounting screw aperture disposed along alongitudinal axis for receiving a mounting screw having a mounting screwhead to mount the electrical outlet to a box. The mounting screw headhas a mounting screw head diameter. The electrical outlet also has atleast one socket face for receiving an electrical plug.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method isprovided for mounting a base to an electrical outlet. The electricaloutlet includes a mounting screw aperture disposed along a longitudinalaxis for receiving a mounting screw having a mounting screw head tomount the electrical outlet to a box. The mounting screw head has amounting screw head diameter. The electrical outlet also has at leastone socket face for receiving an electrical plug.

[0023] The method according to this aspect of the invention includes afirst step of providing the base with a substantially planar backingmember. The backing member includes at least one aperture for receivingthe at least one socket face, and a keyhole slot disposed in the backingmember and having first and second keyhole slot apertures. The firstkeyhole slot aperture is larger than the mounting screw head diameter.The second keyhole slot aperture is smaller than the mounting screw headdiameter and is disposed in the backing member at a location on thelongitudinal axis and aligned with the mounting screw aperture when thebase is mounted to the electrical outlet using the mounting screw.

[0024] The method includes a second step of partially inserting themounting screw into the mounting screw aperture through the secondkeyhole slot aperture, a third step of testing the alignment of the basewith the outlet so that the first keyhole slot aperture is aligned withthe mounting screw aperture, and a fourth step of tightening themounting screw to secure the mounting screw head onto the base at thesecond keyhole slot aperture.

[0025] Optionally but preferably, the first step includes providing thesecond keyhole slot aperture with a bevel, and the fourth step includestightening the mounting screw so that the mounting screw head resides inthe bevel. Also as an option, the first step may include disposing thefirst and second keyhole slot apertures along a keyhole linesubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first stepalso may include disposing the first and second keyhole slot aperturesalong a keyhole line substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis.

[0026] In a version of this method, the first step includes disposing asecond mounting aperture in the backing member. The second mountingaperture has a diameter larger than the mounting screw head diameter,and the second mounting aperture is disposed in the backing member at alocation on the longitudinal axis. In this version of the method, thefourth step includes using a retaining device on the second mountingaperture. The second retaining device has a diameter smaller than themounting screw head diameter.

[0027] In another version of the method, the first step includesproviding a channel in the base. The channel extends from the at leastone socket face receiving aperture. The channel is narrower than themounting screw head diameter. Optionally but preferably, the first stepincludes disposing the first and second keyhole slot apertures and thechannel along a keyhole line.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method isprovided for mounting a base to an electrical outlet. The electricaloutlet includes first and second mounting screw apertures disposed alonga longitudinal axis for receiving respective first and second mountingscrews each having a mounting screw head to mount the electrical outletto a box. The mounting screw heads having a mounting screw headdiameter. The electrical outlet also has at least one socket face forreceiving an electrical plug.

[0029] The method according to this aspect of the invention comprises afirst step of providing a substantially planar backing member. Thebacking member includes at least one aperture for receiving the at leastone socket face. It also includes first and second keyhole slotsdisposed in the backing member. Each of the first and second keyholeslots has first and second keyhole slot apertures. The first keyholeslot aperture is larger than the mounting screw head diameter. Thesecond keyhole slot aperture is smaller than the mounting screw headaperture, and is disposed in the backing member at a location on thelongitudinal axis. The second keyhole slot aperture of the first keyholeslot is aligned with the first mounting screw aperture, and the secondkeyhole slot aperture of the second keyhole slot is aligned with thesecond mounting screw aperture when the base is mounted to theelectrical outlet using the first and second mounting screw.

[0030] The method includes a second step of partially inserting thefirst and second mounting screws into the respective first and secondmounting screw apertures through the respective first and second keyholeapertures. It also includes a third step of testing the alignment of thebase with the outlet so that the first keyhole slot apertures of thefirst and second keyhole slots are aligned with the respective first andsecond mounting screw apertures. It further includes a fourth step oftightening the first and second mounting screws to secure the mountingscrews heads of the first and second mounting screws onto the base atthe second keyhole slot apertures of the respective first and secondkeyhole slots.

[0031] In preferred versions of the methods, the first step includesproviding at least one of the second keyhole slot aperture of the firstkeyhole slot and the second keyhole slot aperture of the second keyholeslot with a bevel. The first step may include disposing the first andsecond keyhole slot apertures of the first and second keyhole slotsalong respective first and second keyhole lines substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Similarly, the first step mayinclude disposing the first and second keyhole slot apertures of thefirst and second keyhole slots along a keyhole line substantiallycollinear with the longitudinal axis.

[0032] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, amethod is provided for mounting a base to an electrical outlet. Theelectrical outlet includes a mounting screw aperture disposed along alongitudinal axis for receiving a mounting screw having a mounting screwhead to mount the electrical outlet to a box. The mounting screw headhas a mounting screw head diameter. The electrical outlet also has atleast one socket face for receiving an electrical plug. The methodaccording to this aspect of the invention includes a first step ofproviding a substantially planar backing member. The backing memberincludes at least one aperture for receiving the at least one socketface. It also includes a base mounting aperture disposed in the backingmember at a location aligned with the mounting screw aperture when thebase is mounted to the electrical outlet using the mounting screw. Thebase mounting aperture is larger than the mounting screw head diameter.

[0033] The method also includes a second step of partially inserting themounting screw into the electrical outlet and a third step of using adetachable retaining device on the base mounting aperture wherein theretaining device has a diameter smaller than the mounting screw headdiameter, and tightening the mounting screw to secure the mounting screwhead onto the retaining device.

[0034] Optionally, the third step may include providing a beveledsurface on the retaining device, and tightening the mounting screw sothat the mounting screw head seats in the bevel. Also as an option, thefirst step may include providing the base mounting aperture with abeveled surface and providing the retaining device with a beveledsurface for mating with the base mounting aperture beveled surface, andthe third step may include tightening the mounting screw so that theretaining device bevel mates with the base mounting aperture bevel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate a presently preferredembodiment(s) and method(s) of the invention and, together with thegeneral description given above and the detailed description of thepreferred embodiment(s) and method(s) given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

[0036]FIG. 1 shows a front elevational view of an outlet with whichbases according to the preferred embodiments of the invention asdescribed herein may be attached, and with which the preferred methodsaccording to the invention may be practiced;

[0037]FIG. 2 shows a front view of a base according to a preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0038]FIG. 2 shows a front view of a base according to another preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0039]FIG. 3 shows a front view of a base according to another preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0040]FIG. 4 shows a front view of a base according to another aspect ofthe invention;

[0041]FIG. 5 shows a side view of the base shown in FIG. 4, including aside view of a retaining device used as a part of the base, and alsoshows a top or plan view of the retaining device;

[0042]FIG. 6 shows a front view of another base according to anotherpreferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0043]FIG. 7 shows still another base according to yet another preferredembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND METHODS

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments and methods of the invention as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate likeor corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted,however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to thespecific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrativeexamples shown and described in this section in connection with thepreferred embodiments and methods. The invention according to itsvarious aspects is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed inthe attached claims read in view of this specification, and appropriateequivalents.

[0045] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a base isprovided for an electrical outlet. The electrical outlet includes amounting screw aperture disposed along a longitudinal axis for receivinga mounting screw having a mounting screw head to mount the electricaloutlet to a box. The mounting screw head has a mounting screw headdiameter. The electrical outlet also has at least one socket face forreceiving an electrical plug.

[0046] To provide an illustrative example, FIG. 1 shows an electricaloutlet 100. Electrical outlet 100 includes a receptacle 102 thatincludes a pair of socket faces 104 and 106. Each socket face includesblade apertures 108 and a ground plug aperture 110 for receiving plugblades and a ground blade from a plug (not shown), such as the plug of ahousehold electrical appliance. Receptacle 102 includes a pair ofmounting screw apertures 112 and 114 disposed along a longitudinal axisL for receiving mounting screws 118 and 120, respectively. Each mountingscrew includes a mounting screw head 122 having a mounting screw headdiameter 124. Tightening of mounting screw 118 into mounting screwaperture 112, and tightening of mounting screw 120 into mounting screwaperture 114 secures receptacle 102 to a box 128. Receptacle 102 alsoincludes a cover plate mounting aperture 128 for receiving a cover platemounting screw (not shown).

[0047] The base according to this aspect of the invention includes asubstantially planar backing member. The backing member includes atleast one aperture for receiving the at least one socket face.

[0048] A base 200 according to a presently preferred embodimentaccording to this aspect of the invention is shown in FIG. 2. Base 200includes a substantially planar backing member 202. Base 200 alsoincludes a ridge or wall 204 at its outer perimeter, which issubstantially perpendicular to backing member 202. Two pairs of hinges206 and 208 are disposed on the top and side peripheral side walls,respectively, of base 200. Hinges 206 and 208 are adapted to beselectively detached, as generally shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,831.

[0049] Backing member 202 includes at least one aperture, in thisspecific instance, a pair of apertures 210 and 212, for receiving socketfaces 104 and 106, respectively.

[0050] In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the baseincludes a keyhole slot disposed in the backing member and having firstand second keyhole slot apertures. The first keyhole slot aperture islarger than the mounting screw head diameter. The second keyhole slotaperture is smaller than the mounting screw head diameter and isdisposed in the backing member at a location on the longitudinal axisand is aligned with the mounting screw aperture when the base is mountedto the electrical outlet using the mounting screw.

[0051] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the baseincludes first and second keyhole slots disposed in the backing member.Each of the first and second keyhole slots has first and second keyholeslot apertures. The first keyhole slot aperture is larger than themounting screw head diameter. The second keyhole slot aperture issmaller than the mounting screw head diameter and is disposed in thebacking member at a location on the longitudinal axis. The secondkeyhole slot aperture of the first keyhole slot is aligned with thefirst mounting screw aperture and the second keyhole slot aperture ofthe second keyhole slot is aligned with the second mounting screwaperture when the base is mounted to the electrical outlet using thefirst and second mounting screw.

[0052] As implemented in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2,backing member 202 includes two keyhole slots 220 and 222. Keyhole slot220 includes a first keyhole slot aperture 224 and a second keyhole slotaperture 226. Similarly, keyhole slot 222 includes a first keyhole slotaperture 228 and a second keyhole slot aperture 230. The first keyholeslot apertures 226 and 230 include a bevel 232 and 234, respectively.Each bevel extends downwardly and inwardly with respect to the aperture,as one moves into backing member 202. The first keyhole slot aperture224 and 228 of each keyhole slot is larger than mounting screw headdiameter 124. The second keyhole slot aperture 226 and 230 of eachkeyhole slot is smaller than mounting screw head diameter 124. Thesecond keyhole slot aperture 226 and 230 of each keyhole slot isdisposed in backing member 202 at a location on longitudinal axis L. Thesecond keyhole slot aperture 226 of keyhole slot 220 is aligned withfirst mounting screw aperture 112. Second keyhole slot aperture 230 ofkeyhole slot 222 similarly is aligned with mounting screw aperture 114when base 200 is mounted to an electrical outlet, such as outlet 100,using mounting screws 118 and 120, respectively.

[0053] From FIG. 2 it can be seen that the first and second keyhole slotapertures 224 and 226 of keyhole slot 220 are disposed along a keyholeline KL1 that is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis L, andfirst and second keyhole slot apertures 228 and 230 of keyhole slot 222are disposed along a keyhole line KL2 that is also substantiallyperpendicular to longitudinal axis L.

[0054] In another presently preferred embodiment, the first and secondkeyhole apertures are disposed along a keyhole line substantiallycollinear with the longitudinal axis. To provide an illustrativeexample, a base 300 similar to base 200 (FIG. 2) is shown in FIG. 3. Thecomponents of base 300 are for the most part identical to those of base200, and like reference characters are used to identify like oridentical elements or components. In base 300, however, keyhole slots320 and 322 are aligned along longitudinal axis L so that, for each ofthe keyhole slots, a line through the center of the first and secondkeyhole slot apertures lies along longitudinal axis L.

[0055] In another presently preferred embodiment according to thisaspect of the invention, the base further includes a base mountingaperture disposed in the backing member and having a diameter largerthan the mounting screw head diameter. The base mounting aperture isdisposed in the backing member at a location on the longitudinal axis.The base according to this aspect of the invention further includes aretaining device removably disposed on the base mounting aperture. Theretaining device has a diameter smaller than the mounting screw headdiameter.

[0056] To provide an illustrative example, a base 400 according to thispreferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 4. Base 400 is identical in mostrespects to 200, and corresponding reference numerals are used toidentify similar or identical components shared by the two versions.Base 400, however, includes a second mounting aperture 450 disposed inbacking member 402. Mounting aperture 450 has a diameter that is largerthan the diameter 124 of mounting screw 120. Mounting aperture 450 isdisposed in backing member 402 at a location on longitudinal axis L thatis aligned with mounting screw aperture 114 (FIG. 1) when base 400 isattached to electrical outlet 100.

[0057] Base 400 further includes a retaining device in the form of aslotted washer 460. Retaining device 460 is a separate component, and isremovably disposed on mounting aperture 450.

[0058] In the preferred version of base 400, mounting aperture 450includes a bevel 452. The retaining device 460 similarly includes abevel 462. These bevels are configured so that, when retaining device460 is positioned on mounting aperture 450, bevel 462 contacts and mateswith bevel 452.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 6, a base 600 is provided which includestwo base mounting apertures. More specifically, base 600, which is inother respects identical to base 400 and therefore uses correspondingreference numerals, includes two base mounting apertures 650 and 670.Mounting aperture 650 is disposed in backing member 602 so that it isaligned with mounting screw aperture 114 when base 600 is attached toelectrical outlet 100. Similarly base mounting aperture 670 ispositioned in backing member 602 so that it is aligned with mountingscrew aperture 112 when base 600 is attached to electrical outlet 100.Retaining devices 660 and 680 identical to retaining device 460. Basemounting apertures 650 and 670 preferably are identical to base mountingaperture 450. Accordingly, bevels corresponding to bevel 462 and bevel452 are used to mate retaining devices 660 and 680 on base mountingapertures 650 and 670, respectively.

[0060] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the basefurther includes a channel extending from the at least one socketreceiving aperture. The channel is narrower than the mounting screw headdiameter. To illustrate, a base 700 similar to bases 400 and 600 isshown in FIG. 7. Like or corresponding parts similarly bear like orcorresponding reference numerals. Base 700 includes a base mountingaperture 750 with retaining device 760 as described above, e.g., asshown in FIG. 5. Base 700 further includes a channel 790 that extendsfrom socket receiving aperture 710 along longitudinal axis L and towardthe top of base 700, i.e., the end to which to hinges 706 are attached.Channel 790 is narrower than mounting screw head diameter 124. Channel790 is positioned so that it extends over mounting screw aperture 112when base 700 is attached to electrical outlet 100. Channel 790 hassufficient width so that mounting screw 118 can slidably fit within it,but so that it will not pass mounting screw head 122. Channel 790 has alength along longitudinal axis L sufficiently so that, when mountingscrew 118 is partially tightened into mounting screw aperture 112, andwhen base 700 is placed over electrical outlets so that mounting screw118 is fitted within channel 790, base 700 may be moved alonglongitudinal axis L to a point at which mounting screw 120, partiallyengaged in mounting screw aperture 114, is aligned with base mountingaperture 750.

[0061] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, amethod is provided for mounting a base to an electrical outlet. Theelectrical outlet includes a mounting screw aperture disposed along alongitudinal axis for receiving a mounting screw having a mounting screwhead to mount the electrical outlet to a box. The mounting screw headhas a mounting screw head diameter. The electrical outlet also has atleast one socket face for receiving an electrical plug.

[0062] In accordance with a related aspect of the invention, a method isprovided for mounting a base to an electrical outlet, as describedabove, but wherein the electrical outlet includes first and secondmounting screw apertures disposed along a longitudinal axis forreceiving respective first and second mounting screws, each having amounting screw head to mount the electrical outlet to a box. Bothmounting screw heads have a mounting screw head diameter.

[0063] To provide an illustrative example, the method according to theseaspects of the invention will be described with reference to electricaloutlet 100 of FIG. 1, and bases 200, 300 and 400 according to thepreviously described preferred embodiments of the invention. It shouldbe noted, however, that this is merely for illustrative purposes and notnecessarily by way of limitation. The method may be implemented usingbases other than the specific ones shown and described herein.

[0064] The method according to these aspects of the invention comprisesproviding the base with a substantially planar backing member. Thebacking member includes at least one aperture for receiving the at leastone socket face.

[0065] As implemented in the preferred methods, this step preferablycomprises providing backing members 202, 302 and 402. Each of thesebacking members includes two socket face receiving apertures, i.e.,apertures 210 and 212 for base 200, apertures 310 and 312 for base 300,and apertures 410 and 412 for base 400.

[0066] This step of the method also includes disposing a keyhole slot inthe backing member and having first and second apertures. The firstkeyhole aperture is larger than the mounting screw diameter. The secondaperture is smaller than the mounting screw aperture and is disposed inthe backing member at a location on the longitudinal axis andcorresponding to an aligned with the mounting screw aperture when thebase is mounted to the electrical outlet using the mounting screw.

[0067] In accordance with the related method, the first step comprisesproviding a substantially planar backing member. The backing memberincludes at least one aperture for receiving the at least one socketface. It also includes first and second keyhole slots disposed in thebacking member. Each of the first and second keyhole slots has first andsecond keyhole slot apertures. The first keyhole slot aperture is largerthan the mounting screw head diameter. The second keyhole slot apertureis smaller than the mounting screw head aperture, and is disposed in thebacking member at a location on the longitudinal axis. The secondkeyhole slot aperture of the first keyhole slot is aligned with thefirst mounting screw aperture, and the second keyhole slot aperture ofthe second keyhole slot is aligned with the second mounting screwaperture when the base is mounted to the electrical outlet using thefirst and second mounting screw.

[0068] As implemented in the preferred versions of the method, thisfirst step includes, for base 200, providing keyhole slot apertures 220and/or 222; for base 300, providing keyhole slot aperture 3s 320 and/or322; and for base 400, providing keyhole slot 420. Optionally, thesecond keyhole aperture may include a bevel, in which instance themethod includes tightening the mounting screw so that the mounting screwhead resides in the bevel.

[0069] The first and second keyhole slot apertures of either or bothkeyhole slots may be disposed along a keyhole line substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In other versions of the method,the first and second keyhole apertures may be disposed along a keyholelien substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis.

[0070] The method also includes a second step of partially inserting themounting screw into the electrical outlet, positioning the base on theoutlet so that the first aperture of the keyhole slot passes over themounting screw head, moving the base so that the mounting screw passesthrough the second keyhole aperture, and tightening the mounting screwto secure the mounting screw head onto the base at the second keyholeaperture.

[0071] In the related version of this method, this second step includespartially inserting the first and second mounting screws into therespective first and second mounting screw apertures through therespective first and second keyhole apertures. It also includes a thirdstep of testing the alignment of the base with the outlet so that thefirst keyhole slot apertures of the first and second keyhole slots arealigned with the respective first and second mounting screw apertures.It further includes a fourth step of tightening the first and secondmounting screws to secure the mounting screws heads of the first andsecond mounting screws onto the base at the second keyhole slotapertures of the respective first and second keyhole slots.

[0072] As implemented in the preferred versions of the method, thissecond step includes inserting and partially tightening mounting screw118 through first keyhole slot aperture 224 of keyhole slot 220 for base200, through first keyhole slot aperture 324 of keyhole slot 320 forbase 300, through first keyhole slot aperture 424 of keyhole slot 400,and in each instance, into mounting screw aperture 112. This second stepalso preferably includes inserting and partially tightening mountingscrew 120 through first keyhole slot aperture 228 of keyhole slot 222for base 200, through first keyhole slot aperture 328 of keyhole slot322 for base 300, and in each instance, into mounting screw aperture114. The bases then are aligned relative to the outlet, held in place,and the mounting screws fully tightened to secure each base to theoutlet while maintaining the alignment.

[0073] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, amethod is provided for mounting a base to an electrical outlet. Theelectrical outlet includes a mounting screw aperture disposed along alongitudinal axis for receiving a mounting screw having a mounting screwhead to mount the electrical outlet to a box. The mounting screw headhas a mounting screw head diameter. The electrical outlet also has atleast one socket face for receiving an electrical plug.

[0074] The method according to this aspect of the invention includes afirst step of providing a substantially planar backing member. Thebacking member includes at least one aperture for receiving the at leastone socket face. It also includes a base mounting aperture disposed inthe backing member at a location aligned with the mounting screwaperture when the base is mounted to the electrical outlet using themounting screw. The base mounting aperture is larger than the mountingscrew head diameter. It should be noted that more than one such baseaperture may be provided.

[0075] To provide an illustrative example, the method according to theseaspects of the invention will be described with reference to electricaloutlet 100 of FIG. 1 and bases 400, 600 and 700 according to thepreviously described preferred embodiments of the invention. It shouldbe noted, however, that this is merely for illustrative purposes and notnecessarily by way of limitation. The method may be implemented usingbases other than the specific ones shown and described herein.

[0076] As implemented in the presently preferred versions of thismethod, this first step includes providing a base mounting aperture 450in base 400, base mounting apertures 650 and/or 670 in base 600, andbase mounting aperture 750 in base 700, as described above.

[0077] The method also includes a second step of partially inserting themounting screw into the electrical outlet and a third step of using adetachable retaining device on the base mounting aperture wherein theretaining device has a diameter smaller than the mounting screw headdiameter, and tightening the mounting screw to secure the mounting screwhead onto the retaining device.

[0078] As implemented in the preferred methods, this second stepcomprises inserting and partially tightening a mounting screw, such asmounting screws 118 and 120, through the respective base mountingapertures and into the corresponding mounting screw apertures. The thirdstep preferably includes using a retaining device such as retainingdevice 460, 660 and 760 (e.g., FIG. 5), on the respective base mountingapertures. As noted above, the retaining device has a diameter smallerthan the mounting screw head diameter. The third step also preferablyincludes tightening the mounting screw or screws to secure the mountingscrew head onto the retaining device or devices, after or in conjunctionwith appropriately aligning the base with respect to the outlet.

[0079] Optionally, the third step may include providing a beveledsurface on the retaining device, and tightening the mounting screw sothat the mounting screw head seats in the bevel. Also as an option, thefirst step may include providing the base mounting aperture with abeveled surface and providing the retaining device with a beveledsurface for mating with the base mounting aperture beveled surface, andthe third step may include tightening the mounting screw so that theretaining device bevel mates with the base mounting aperture bevel. Anillustrative example would involve the use of beveled surfaces 452 and462, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0080] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. For example, the longitudinal axis consideredwith respect to the positioning of the various apertures need notnecessarily lie at the center of the outlet and base, nor necessarilyneed it be perpendicular to the top and bottom edges of the box.Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to thespecific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrativeexamples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made fromsuch details without departing from the spirit or scope of the generalinventive concept as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A base for an electrical outlet, the electricaloutlet including a mounting screw aperture disposed along a longitudinalaxis for receiving a mounting screw having a mounting screw head tomount the electrical outlet to a box, the mounting screw head having amounting screw head diameter, the electrical outlet also having at leastone socket face for receiving an electrical plug, the base comprising: asubstantially planar backing member, the backing member including atleast one aperture for receiving the at least one socket face; and akeyhole slot disposed in the backing member and having first and secondkeyhole slot apertures, the first keyhole slot aperture being largerthan the mounting screw head diameter, the second keyhole slot aperturebeing smaller than the mounting screw head diameter and being disposedin the backing member at a location on the longitudinal axis and beingaligned with the mounting screw aperture when the base is mounted to theelectrical outlet using the mounting screw.
 2. A base as recited inclaim 1, wherein the second keyhole slot aperture includes a bevel.
 3. Abase as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second keyhole slotapertures are disposed along a keyhole line substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal axis.
 4. A base as recited in claim 1, wherein thefirst and second keyhole slot apertures are disposed along a keyholeline substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis.
 5. A base asrecited in claim 1, further including: a second mounting aperturedisposed in the backing member and having a diameter larger than themounting screw head diameter, the second mounting aperture beingdisposed in the backing member at a location on the longitudinal axis;and a retaining device removably disposed on the second mountingaperture, the second retaining device having an inside diameter smallerthan the mounting screw head diameter.
 6. A base as recited in claim 1,further including a channel extending from the at least one socket facereceiving aperture, the channel being narrower than the mounting screwhead diameter.
 7. A base as recited in claim 6, wherein the first andsecond keyhole slot apertures and the channel lie along a keyhole line.8. A base for an electrical outlet, the electrical outlet includingfirst and second mounting screw apertures disposed along a longitudinalaxis for receiving respective first and second mounting screws eachhaving a mounting screw head to mount the electrical outlet to a box,the mounting screw heads having a mounting screw head diameter, theelectrical outlet also having at least one socket face for receiving anelectrical plug, the base comprising: a substantially planar backingmember, the backing member including at least one aperture for receivingthe at least one socket face; and first and second keyhole slotsdisposed in the backing member, each of the first and second keyholeslots having first and second keyhole slot apertures, the first keyholeslot aperture being larger than the mounting screw head diameter, thesecond keyhole slot aperture being smaller than the mounting screw headdiameter and being disposed in the backing member at a location on thelongitudinal axis, the second keyhole slot aperture of the first keyholeslot being aligned with the first mounting screw aperture and the secondkeyhole slot aperture of the second keyhole slot being aligned with thesecond mounting screw aperture when the base is mounted to theelectrical outlet using the first and second mounting screws.
 9. A baseas recited in claim 8, wherein at least one of the second keyhole slotaperture of the first keyhole slot and the second keyhole slot apertureof the second keyhole slot includes a bevel.
 10. A base as recited inclaim 8, wherein the first and second keyhole slot apertures of thefirst and second keyhole slots are disposed along respective first andsecond keyhole lines substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis.
 11. A base as recited in claim 8, wherein the first and secondkeyhole slot apertures of the first and second keyhole slots aredisposed along a keyhole line substantially collinear with thelongitudinal axis.
 12. A base for an electrical outlet, the electricaloutlet including a mounting screw aperture disposed along a longitudinalaxis for receiving a mounting screw having a mounting screw head tomount the electrical outlet to a box, the mounting screw head having amounting screw head diameter, the electrical outlet also having at leastone socket face for receiving an electrical plug, the base comprising: asubstantially planar backing member, the backing member including atleast one aperture for receiving the at least one socket face; and abase mounting aperture disposed in the backing member at a locationaligned with the mounting screw aperture when the base is mounted to theelectrical outlet using the mounting screw, the base mounting aperturebeing larger than the mounting screw head diameter; and a retainingdevice removably disposed on the base mounting aperture, the retainingdevice having a diameter smaller than the mounting screw head diameter.13. A base as recited in claim 12, wherein the retaining device includesa beveled surface
 14. A base as recited in claim 12, wherein the basemounting aperture includes a beveled surface and the retaining deviceincludes a beveled surface for mating with the base mounting aperturebeveled surface.
 15. A method for mounting a base to an electricaloutlet, the electrical outlet including a mounting screw aperturedisposed along a longitudinal axis for receiving a mounting screw havinga mounting screw head to mount the electrical outlet to a box, themounting screw head having a mounting screw head diameter, theelectrical outlet also having at least one socket face for receiving anelectrical plug, the method comprising: a first step of providing thebase with a substantially planar backing member, the backing memberincluding at least one aperture for receiving the at least one socketface, and a keyhole slot disposed in the backing member and having firstand second keyhole slot apertures, the first keyhole slot aperture beinglarger than the mounting screw head diameter, the second keyhole slotaperture being smaller than the mounting screw head diameter and beingdisposed in the backing member at a location on the longitudinal axisbeing aligned with the mounting screw aperture when the base is mountedto the electrical outlet using the mounting screw; a second step ofpartially inserting the mounting screw into the mounting screw aperturethrough the second keyhole slot aperture; a third step of testing thealignment of the base with the outlet so that the first keyhole slotaperture is aligned with the mounting screw aperture; and a fourth stepof tightening the mounting screw to secure the mounting screw head ontothe base at the second keyhole slot aperture.
 16. A method as recited inclaim 15, wherein the first step includes providing the second keyholeslot aperture with a bevel, and the fourth step includes tightening themounting screw so that the mounting screw head resides in the bevel. 17.A method as recited in claim 15, wherein the first step includesdisposing the first and second keyhole slot apertures along a keyholeline substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 18. A methodas recited in claim 15, wherein the first step includes disposing thefirst and second keyhole slot apertures along a keyhole linesubstantially collinear with the longitudinal axis.
 19. A method asrecited in claim 15, wherein: the first step includes disposing a secondmounting aperture in the backing member, the second mounting aperturehaving a diameter larger than the mounting screw head diameter, thesecond mounting aperture being disposed in the backing member at alocation on the longitudinal axis; and the fourth step includes using aretaining device on the second mounting aperture, the second retainingdevice having a diameter smaller than the mounting screw head diameter.20. A method as recited in claim 15, wherein the first step includesproviding a channel in the base, the channel extending from the at leastone socket face receiving aperture, the channel being narrower than themounting screw head diameter.
 21. A method as recited in claim 20,wherein the first step includes disposing the first and second keyholeslot apertures and the channel along a keyhole line.
 22. A method formounting a base to an electrical outlet, the electrical outlet includingfirst and second mounting screw apertures disposed along a longitudinalaxis for receiving respective first and second mounting screws eachhaving a mounting screw head to mount the electrical outlet to a box,the mounting screw heads having a mounting screw head diameter, theelectrical outlet also having at least one socket face for receiving anelectrical plug, the method comprising: a first step of providing asubstantially planar backing member, the backing member including atleast one aperture for receiving the at least one socket face and firstand second keyhole slots disposed in the backing member, each of thefirst and second keyhole slots having first and second keyhole slotapertures, the first keyhole slot aperture being larger than themounting screw head diameter, the second keyhole slot aperture beingsmaller than the mounting screw head aperture and being disposed in thebacking member at a location on the longitudinal axis, the secondkeyhole slot aperture of the first keyhole slot being aligned with thefirst mounting screw aperture and the second keyhole slot aperture ofthe second keyhole slot being aligned with the second mounting screwaperture when the base is mounted to the electrical outlet using thefirst and second mounting screws; a second step of partially insertingthe first and second mounting screws into the respective first andsecond mounting screw apertures through the respective first and secondkeyhole apertures; a third step of testing the alignment of the basewith the outlet so that the first keyhole slot apertures of the firstand second keyhole slots are aligned with the respective first andsecond mounting screw apertures; and a fourth step of tightening thefirst and second mounting screws to secure the mounting screws heads ofthe first and second mounting screws onto the base at the second keyholeslot apertures of the respective first and second keyhole slots.
 23. Amethod as recited in claim 22, wherein the first step includes providingat least one of the second keyhole slot aperture of the first keyholeslot and the second keyhole slot aperture of the second keyhole slotwith a bevel.
 24. A method as recited in claim 22, wherein the firststep includes disposing the first and second keyhole slot apertures ofthe first and second keyhole slots along respective first and secondkeyhole lines substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 25.A method as recited in claim 22 wherein the first step includesdisposing the first and second keyhole slot apertures of the first andsecond keyhole slots along a keyhole line substantially collinear withthe longitudinal axis.
 26. A method for mounting a base to an electricaloutlet, the electrical outlet including a mounting screw aperturedisposed along a longitudinal axis for receiving a mounting screw havinga mounting screw head to mount the electrical outlet to a box, themounting screw head having a mounting screw head diameter, theelectrical outlet also having at least one socket face for receiving anelectrical plug, the method comprising: a first step of providing asubstantially planar backing member, the backing member including atleast one aperture for receiving the at least one socket face, and abase mounting aperture disposed in the backing member at a locationaligned with the mounting screw aperture when the base is mounted to theelectrical outlet using the mounting screw, the base mounting aperturebeing larger than the mounting screw head diameter; and a second step ofpartially inserting the mounting screw into the electrical outlet; and athird step of using a detachable retaining device on the base mountingaperture, the retaining device having a diameter smaller than themounting screw head diameter, and tightening the mounting screw tosecure the mounting screw head onto the retaining device.
 27. A methodas recited in claim 26, wherein the third step includes providing abeveled surface on the retaining device, and tightening the mountingscrew so that the mounting screw head seats in the bevel.
 28. A methodas recited in claim 26, wherein the first step includes providing thebase mounting aperture with a beveled surface and providing theretaining device with a beveled surface for mating with the basemounting aperture beveled surface, and the third step includestightening the mounting screw so that the retaining device bevel mateswith the base mounting aperture bevel.